按
hold, consider, investigate
Readings
On'yomi
- アン
Kun'yomi
- おさ.える
- しら.べる
Meaning
按 centers on applying controlled pressure or attention: physically holding something down, or mentally considering and investigating a matter by pressing into it.
Most common words using 按
- 按司あじ
chieftain (of the Ryukyu Kingdom)
- 按察使あぜち
travelling inspector of the provincial governments (Nara and Heian-period position)
- 按手あんしゅ
ordination; laying on of hands
- 按手礼あんしゅれい
(Protestant) laying on of hands; ordination
- 按摩さんあんまさん
masseuse; masseur
- 按摩膏あんまこう
massaging plaster
- 按腹あんぷく
ventral massage
- 按針あんじん
pilot (of a boat)
Study
Etymology
按 combines 扌 (hand) with 安, which likely contributes both sound and the idea of pressing or settling. The hand component suggests physical holding or pressing, while 安 may reinforce the sense of making something settled or secure.
Meaning mnemonic
A hand 扌 pressing down on 安 (peace/calm) to hold it in place. Imagine using your hand to keep a peaceful situation steady while you consider it carefully.
Reading mnemonic
For アン, picture an ant holding down a crumb: ant -> アン, and the tiny ant presses firmly to investigate its find.